The Principal Engineer - Transition Planning is able to be based out of any of our offices - Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth. We seek a strategic thinker driving cross-functional planning to manage system transitions and enable a secure, renewable powered energy future. Previous work experience in the Energy sector /Cross functional collaboration. Hybrid working / Excellent company culture / Great benefits / Generous bonus. AEMO at the Heart of Energy AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around Character, Commitment, and Connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant mission in the energy sector. Within System Design, the Future Energy Systems (FES) team leads the Engineering Roadmap to 100% Instantaneous Renewables and drives the implementation of strategic technical projects. The team plays a critical role in providing a holistic view of the engineering needs of the evolving energy system, prioritising technical solutions to address key challenges in the National Electricity Market (NEM), and driving industry-wide action to support the transition to 100% instantaneous renewable penetration. The Future Energy Systems team has recently expanded its scope to include the ISF obligations to develop the Transition Plan for System Security, ensuring the grid remains secure throughout the energy transition. The team is also leading Type 2 Services which includes trialling new technology/services to managing system security risks and enabling innovative solutions to maintain grid stability as the energy system evolves. Through these initiatives, the Future Energy Systems team continues to lead the transformation of Australia’s power system, ensuring a secure, resilient, and renewable-powered future. About the role We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Engineer – Transition Planning to play a pivotal role in supporting AEMO’s readiness for major system transition points, including key asset retirement. This role will drive coordination across system planning, operations, market reforms, and other business functions to ensure alignment of internal activities. It will also be responsible for tracking key milestones, managing risks, and communicating transition status clearly across the organisation and to external stakeholders. The Principal Engineer will act as a central interface between AEMO and key external parties, such as network service providers, government agencies, and regulators to clarify roles, dependencies, and delivery timelines, contributing to a more transparent and structured approach to transition planning. You will undertake strategic problem-solving, defining clear paths through complexity, and delivering high-impact presentations to executive leadership, supported by exceptional communication skills. What you will be doing Lead major cross-functional projects covering technical investigations, planning, and stakeholder engagement. Coordinate cross functional planning activities to support AEMO’s readiness for key system transition points across the NEM and SWIS. Track milestones, risks, and progress using structured readiness tools and frameworks. Facilitate effective handovers between business functions for internal alignment. Engage with external stakeholders to align planning inputs, timelines, and responsibilities. Support the continuous improvement of AEMO’s transition planning process, tools, and governance to enhance delivery and transparency. What you will bring to the role Education Tertiary qualification in engineering, energy systems, economics, public policy, or related discipline. Proficient use of all Microsoft Office product suite. Experience and Knowledge Extensive energy sector experience, ideally in system planning, operations, or regulatory policy. Strong strategic decision-making on complex engineering, technical, and regulatory issues. Skilled in project management, data analysis, and delivering high-quality technical reports. Proven ability to develop practical, timely solutions that meet stakeholder needs. Excellent communicator with strong influencing and relationship-building skills. Proactive, adaptable, and outcomes-focused, with advanced Microsoft Office proficiency. Desirable Strong understanding of the NEM, power system security, and market frameworks, with expertise in system modelling, stability assessments, and generator operations. Skilled in applying electrical engineering principles to real-world transmission, distribution, and generation challenges. In return some of our benefits to you Flexible working: work from home, part time, job share, hybrid options, and additional leave options Professional development via projects, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and more. Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year. Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility). Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP). About Our Process AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, or religion. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let the us know by emailing us at [email protected] If you would like to know more about working at AEMO, please check out our careers page for more information.